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Saturday, December 17, 2011

About that thank you blog...

This blog entry was going to be a heartfelt thank you for allowing me to serve as your president during the last three and half years.I had all kinds of witty things to say about your talents and energy and persistence in pursuing your dream. (all true) I was going to dazzle you with the numbers of our growth (from 22 to 38 members, a slightly more than 72% increase when the average loss per year of professional organizations is around 40%, which means we grew a jagillion times more than others).

I still think you are an amazing group (clap, clap, clap) and will continue to narrow the gap between published and unpublished members.But something happened today that turned my blog entry in a different direction.

I spent part of the day shopping.In a little place in Rockford, while buying unique and perfect gifts for family members, my husband bragged to the shop owner about me being “a published author, don’t you know”.Those who know Larry are aware he’s a big fan and will talk the leg off every sales clerk he meets.What was interesting is the response he received.The owner, Jeannie, also writes.Great!A kindred spirit.I gave her the URL of this blog, and we chatted about the changing industry, etc.As we identified with writing in the zone and not remembering it later, the only other customer in the shop was nodding her head.Another writer!Three out of the four people in this tiny spot had something in common and we might never had known it.

My point?Start talking about what you do.Don’t be shy or ashamed or think you’re bragging.Why not brag?Aren’t you proud of what you write?If you can’t pontificate about your own work, mention that you belong to a fabulous writing group.Give them the URL of the blog.Throw out a title or name or two.Mention the support you receive and our all around awesomeness.Invite them to join us at a meeting.

You never know the paths already laid out for us to cross.Sometimes, we don’t need a conference to make connections.Sometimes, it can be done over homemade mittens or soaps or cheeseball mixes.You’re not only a member of GRRWG, you are also one of its ambassadors.More importantly, you’re an ambassador (and head marketing director) for You, Inc.

Marvelous wonders await.You just have to look for them.

p.s. It HAS been an honor and privilege serving as your president.Don’t ask me to do it again.Kidding.Not.No shop owners or husbands were harmed in the writing of this blog.Gratuities accepted in cash or chocolate. Go GRRWG!